Maureen Paula O'Sullivan was born on May 17, 1911 in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland.Her father was Charles Joseph O'Sullivan, an officer in The Connaught Rangers (who served in The Great War) and Mary Lovett Fraser.

She attended a convent school in Dublin, then the Convent of the Sacred Heart at Roehampton in London.After attending finishing school in Paris, Maureen returned to Ireland.

Her film career began when she was discovered by motion picture director Frank Borzage, who was in Ireland filming Song o' My Heart.He suggested she take a screen test. She did and won a part in the movie, which starred Irish tenor John McCormack. She then traveled to the United States to complete the movie in Hollywood.

Maureen appeared in six movies at Fox, all the while continuing to make movies with other studios in Hollywood..In 1932, she signed a contract with MGM. After several roles there and with various studios, she was chosen byIrving Thalberg to appear as Jane Parker in Tarzan the Ape Man opposite Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller.

It wasn't long before she met and eventually married Australian-born writer, Academy award-winning director, and Catholic convert John Farrow.Maureen and John became the parents of seven children: Michael Damien, Patrick Joseph, Maria de Lourdes (Mia),John Charles, Stephanie, Prudence, and Theresa Magdalena "Tisa" Farrow.

Her career spanned over 60 years. She dedicated her lifetime to movies, television, and theater (Broadway).Maureen died in Scottsdale, Arizona at the age of 87, of complications from heart surgery.Leaving behind her beloved second husband Jim Cushing, six children, 32 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren,and her legacy as Jane Parker, Tarzan's perfect match.